Step #1: Lectio / ReadClick the link below or open your Bible to the passage and read through the reading at least once, paying attention to what is happening in the text. Step #2: Meditatio / MeditateUse the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again). Today marks the beginning of a new month. October, to me, represents a time of change. Temperatures start dropping, leaves change colors, sweaters and boots begin to appear, and all of a sudden there’s pumpkin flavored everything. There’s something about the start of a new season, a new month, or a new year that is particularly exciting. When times get hard, we love the opportunity to turn over a new leaf. Job had a rough life. In the very first chapter of the book of Job, we read about how Job pretty much loses everyone and everything in his life. Over the course of the next 42 chapters, we journey with Job as he tries to wrap his mind around why this would happen to him or what he could have done to deserve this. He experiences deeper suffering and sorrow than many of us will ever know, yet through it all, he doesn’t give up and keeps searching for the answer. When we go through those seasons of suffering or change, we keep hoping and looking for a way out or for the time when things will get better. It’s hard because we only know and see so little, but God sees and knows the entire picture. Sometimes the Lord breaks us down to build us back up. It sounds kind of harsh, but the reality is we all build up walls. Eventually, piece by piece, they will come crumbling down. The Lord is fighting for you. He is fighting for your heart. St. Therese wished with all of her heart to be a saint and was convinced that the Lord would not put that desire on her heart if it were not attainable. Though she only lived to the age of 24, she spent her entire life chasing holiness. It’s not about how we spend our time, but how we spend our life. Today is the feast day of St. Therese, whose last words were “My God, I love you.” One day, when we reach the end of our life, what will we say? How do we want to spend our life here on earth? Hopefully, when we look back on our life, we will see, like Job, that despite all the hardships and struggles and suffering, the Lord has loved us and blessed us abundantly. Through all the seasons of life, the one constant through it all is the Lord’s love and faithfulness. Whichever season of life you are currently going through, be confident of the love the Lord has for you just because you are you. Know that He is there with you through it all. Step #3: Oratio / PrayThese questions are to be used to talk to God; have a conversation with the Lord about these questions and what is going on in your heart as you pray today. What season of life are you currently in? This season could be one of great joy or peace, or maybe it is a season of dryness and longing. No matter what season of life you are currently in, what are some ways the Lord has blessed you and loved you? What answers are you searching for? What are some changes you have been wanting to make in your life? Step #4: Contemplatio / ContemplateIn this step, you listen. Stop talking, let God speak to your heart. You may repeat one of these short phrases to focus your mind on the Lord. “I know that you can do all things.” “My God, I love you.” “Through it all, my eyes are on you. Step #5: Actio / ActIn light of today's reading and your time spent in prayer with the Lord, what concrete action or actions will you take to let this encounter with Lord bear fruit in you today? Spend some time today reflecting on this year so far, and think about all the ways, big and small, that the Lord has blessed you and shown his love for you. Take advantage of this new month as an opportunity to turn over a new leaf in your prayer life and your relationship with the Lord. Smartphone Lock ScreenThe following image is here for you to save and use as a background or lock screen on your smartphone or device to help you carry today's Lectio Divina with you the rest of the day.  Today's prayer was prepared by Maggie Overbeck, Assistant Director of Youth Ministry at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Huntley, IL.
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